Overview
The Islamic Research & Humanitarian Services Center of America, Inc. ("IRHSCA"), is a private, nonprofit (Section 501 C) academic and cultural institution, concerned with general issues of Islamic thought. The institute was established in the United States of America on 1 Ramadan 1421 (November 27, 2000). The Center is located in the heart of Capitol Heights, Maryland, about 2 blocks from the Capitol Heights Metro Station on the Blue Line. IRHSCA is governed by a SHURA Board that meets regularly to discuss various issues affecting the community.

Mission Statement
IRHSCA is an educational, practical, doctrinal and charitable organization. It was formed to minimize the many problems that plague our society. These include: (a) misunderstanding of the deen (Islamic way of life) by Muslims and non-Muslims; and (b) breaking the barriers that artificially separate the human race. Our priority is to (1) worship Allah (SWT) based on the Qur'an and the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and (2) serve humanity.

Objectives
IRHSCA aims to: (1) provide spiritual and moral guidance to all; (2) propagate Islam through its original source(s); (3) equip Muslims with Islamic, academic and vocational skills; (4) educate humanity, in particular our youth, against substance abuse and other social ills; (5) perform weddings, funerals and other religious rites; (6) mediate and counsel family disputes and offer resolutions; and (7) establish intellectual research work that benefits all in the field of Islamic culture and knowledge.

Methodology
The success of any institution depends on Allah and also having a sound methodology that integrates all aspects of education, ideology, spirituality and morality. The laws of this Center rely intrinsically on the Qur'an and Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The main objective of IRHSCA is summarized in Surah Hujurat (49:10), which states, "The believers are nothing else than brothers, so make peace and reconciliation between your brothers and fear Allah that you may receive mercy."

The methodology of IRHSCA may be summarized as: (a) collective decision making (Ash-shura); (b) gradual process in training and teaching; (c) respecting one another, regardless of differences; (d) continued education and training based on level of understanding; (e) avoidance of character assassination; (f) protecting the rights of Muslims wherever they may be; (g) division of labor; and (h) forgiveness.

Achievements
IRHSCA has played an essential role in recognizing and responding to a need felt by the community to increase awareness of Muslims in the intellectual dimensions of their faith. We currently have ongoing weekend classes in Arabic reading and Qur'an Methodology. We are also conducting ongoing teacher training workshops geared toward local Muslim schools, as well as non-Muslim schools. Scholars from the US and Africa have been invited to the Center to impart some of their knowledge to the community. Among them, Sheikh Umar Ibrahim (National Imam of Ahlus Sunnah in Ghana), Sheikh Shuaib Abubakar and Shiekh Ibrahim awfiq, all from Ghana. Various scholars from the Washington, DC metropolitan area visit IRHSCA on Fridays to conducts Jumuah service.

Activities
The importance of Amru bil-Ma'ruf, wan-nahyl a'nil Munkar (Enjoin the good and forbid the wrong) as evident from the Qur'an and Sunnah of the Prophet (PBUH) can hardly be overlooked. Not only is it a characteristic of Muslims, it also protects them from ruin. In order to achieve our Islamic objectives, the following programs are conducted at IRHSCA; (a) Juma'h/Friday congregational prayers; (b) spiritual circles/taleem/daily evening discussions; (c) Qur'an and Arabic classes for adults and youth; (d) summer youth camp; (e) Iftar during the month of Ramadhan; (f) sisters classes; (g) Eid Programs; (h) dawah programs; (i) funeral and cemetery arrangements and (j) the regular five daily prayers..